How YouTubers Make Money in Nigeria (2025 Guide)
YouTube is one of the best ways to make money online in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are earning millions of Naira just by creating videos.
But here’s the real question: How do YouTubers in Nigeria make money?
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- How to start YouTube channel
- How to get monetized and start earning from ads
- 7+ ways Nigerian YouTubers make money (beyond AdSense
- How much YouTube pays per 1,000 views in Nigeria
- Mistakes that stop YouTubers from making money
Let’s dive in!
Can You Really Make Money on YouTube in Nigeria?
Yes! Many Nigerian YouTubers are making big money from their channels.
Here are some popular Nigerian YouTubers and their estimated earnings:
1. Mark Angel Comedy – Over 9 million subscribers, making money from ads and brand deals.
2. Tayo Aina – Travel and lifestyle YouTuber earning from YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
3. Fisayo Fosudo – Tech YouTuber making money from sponsorships, AdSense, and affiliate marketing.
4. Dimma Umeh – Lifestyle and beauty content creator making money from sponsorships and ads.
Even small YouTubers with 5,000 – 50,000 subscribers make money once they get monetized.
Step 1: How to Start a YouTube Channel in Nigeria
Starting a YouTube channel is free. Here’s how to do it:
1. Sign up on YouTube – Go to YouTube.com, create a Google account, and set up your channel.
2. Pick a niche – Choose a topic you love (e.g., comedy, tech, finance, food, fitness).
3. Get a good phone or camera – You don’t need an expensive camera; just a smartphone with a good camera.
3. Start creating videos – Record, edit, and upload content regularly.
4. Stay consistent – Post at least one video per week to grow fast.
Step 2: How to Get Monetized on YouTube in Nigeria
To make money from YouTube ads, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
YouTube Monetization Requirements:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months OR 10 million YouTube Shorts views in 90 days
- Follow YouTube’s rules and policies
- Have an AdSense account to receive payments
Once you hit these requirements, you can apply for monetization and start earning from ads.
Step 3: How Much Does YouTube Pay Per 1,000 Views in Nigeria?
YouTube doesn’t pay a fixed amount per view. Your earnings depend on different factor’s:
- Your audience location (U.S. viewers pay more than Nigerian viewers).
- Your niche (Finance and tech content earns more than comedy)
- Your video length (Longer videos allow more ads)
Estimated YouTube Earnings Per 1,000 Views:
Nigerian audience: ₦200 – ₦800 per 1,000 views
U.S. audience: ₦2,000 – ₦6,000 per 1,000 views
This means if your video gets 100,000 views in Nigeria, you might earn ₦20,000 – ₦80,000.
But if your audience is from the U.S. or UK, the same 100,000 views could earn ₦200,000 – ₦600,000!
Step 4: 7+ Ways Nigerian YouTubers Make Money
YouTube ad revenue isn’t the only way to make money. Smart YouTubers in Nigeria combine multiple income streams.
1. YouTube AdSense (Google Ads)
You earn money when YouTube plays ads on your videos.This is the most common way YouTubers make money. But, you need millions of views to make serious money from AdSense alone.
2. Brand Sponsorships (Paid Promotions)
Companies pay YouTubers to promote their products. Big brands like MTN, Samsung, and Jumia sponsor Nigerian YouTubers.
Small YouTubers (5,000 – 50,000 subscribers) can still get sponsorships from local businesses.
3. Affiliate Marketing (Earn Commission Per Sale)
Promote products and get paid per sale. Example: A tech YouTuber can promote phones and earn a commission per sale. Websites like Amazon, Jumia, Konga, and Binance have affiliate programs.
4. Selling Your Own Digital Products
Many YouTubers create and sell:
- Online courses (e.g., How to Start a YouTube Channel).
- E-books (e.g., How to Make Money Online in Nigeria).
- Presets and templates (e.g., Video editing presets).
5. Memberships & Exclusive Content
Viewers pay monthly for exclusive videos or behind-the-scenes content. YouTube has channel memberships & Patreon for this.
6. YouTube Super Chat & Stickers
Viewers can donate money during live streams.This works best if you do live Q&A, gaming, or motivational talks.
7. Selling Merchandise (T-Shirts, Caps, Mugs)
Create and sell your own branded T-shirts, caps, or mugs. This method of monetization work well for comedy, fitness, or entertainment YouTubers.
8. Paid One-on-One Coaching or Consultation
If you’re an expert in something, offer coaching services. Example: A YouTuber who teaches video editing can charge people for private lessons.
Step 5: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Inconsistent Posting – You won’t grow if you post once in a while. Be consistent.
1. Not Having a Niche
If your channel is about everything, you’ll struggle to grow. Pick one niche and focus.
2. Ignoring SEO (Keywords, Titles, Thumbnails)
YouTube is a search engine. Use keywords and catchy thumbnails to get more views.
3. Not Promoting Your Videos
Share your videos on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter to get more views.
Final Thoughts: Start Making Money on YouTube Today
Making money on YouTube in Nigeria is not a get-rich-quick scheme. But with consistency, you can start earning within 6 – 12 months.
Here’s what to do next:
- Start your YouTube channel today
- Pick a niche and create valuable content
- Work towards 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours
- Monetize your channel with ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing
- Stay consistent and keep improving
Now, I’d love to hear from you:
What’s stopping you from starting your YouTube channel? Drop a comment below!
